It’s impossible to count how many times we hear kids complain that “I’m boooooored!” or “There’s nothing to do!” It becomes even more grating when expressed in a whiny, shrill voice after a day out or offering multiple suggestions. Sometimes it’s beneficial to let your children get bored and figure out how to entertain themselves. It’s a great way for them to explore new interests when they have nothing but time on their hands. However, these ideas may offer some relief the next time you need things to do when there’s nothing to do.
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
Whether it’s financial troubles, problems on the job, or everyday life, stress is something every American knows about. In a world where stress seems to be a household word, cycling and exercise can help you combat it.
The effects of stress on everything from a marriage to your own emotional and physical health are well known, so why wouldn’t you want to do whatever you can to reduce and relieve the symptoms?
If you have been considering buying bikes for the family to go riding or joining a cycling class, then this blog is for you. We’ll talk about the benefits of cycling class so you can decide for yourself if this is how you want to get a handle on your stress.
Helps You to Sleep Better
Both cycling and exercise will help you sleep better at night. One of the most common problems of being stressed is finding the “off” switch when you lay your head on the pillow at night. Since you can’t turn your problems off like the lamp beside the bed, you toss and turn instead of getting the good night’s sleep you need. Those uphill intervals in class or the daylight and fresh air combined with the exercise if you cycle outside will help tire you out enough to turn your brain off so you can catch some Z’s.
More Enjoyment Leads to Less Stress
For most people who ride bikes or take a cycling class, riding is something they love. When you love something you do it more often and you enjoy it as well. This leads to less stress. Of course, you could spend hours on the weights or countless minutes on the elliptical machine, but do you enjoy those forms of exercise? Cycling is fun, so why not use it to get the exercise you need and reduce your stress levels at the same time?
It Gives a Boost to Your Endorphins
Exercise in every form gives you a boost of endorphins and cycling is no exception to that rule. Endorphins are naturally released pain-killers that give your body a sense of elation and happiness after a high energy activity. Whether it’s in cycling class or riding fast with the wind in your hair, a boost of endorphins will go a long way towards relieving your stress levels.
Gives You an Outlet for Your Frustrations
Cycling is a great way to get out the frustrations you encounter in everyday life. Unmanaged stress can quickly get out of control, leading to you being frustrated and unsure which way to turn. Pent-up frustration can be dangerous to your health and even to others around you. It can also result in the problems below.
Anxiety
Panic
Phobias
Paranoia
And other emotional or mental disorders
Cycling gives you an outlet for those frustrations and also helps you physically as well. If you feel that you have the problems above and exercise and cycling isn’t helping, it’s time to contact your doctor for treatment or please see this article on BetterHelp for further information on support available for your mental health during the pandemic.
Encourages Social Interaction
Whether you’re in cycling class or out and about on your bike, riding encourages social interaction. You never know when the person on the bike next to you in class or someone you meet on the winding path you ride every day will end up being one of your best friends. Friendship and social interaction are great ways to reduce your stress levels as well, cycling can help you with that.
These are just a few of the ways that cycling can help you to reduce your stress levels. So what are you waiting for?
If you find yourself scraping by at the end of each month, then it’s likely that you have bad habits that are costing you money. Credit cards and mobile transactions let us purchase things instantly, often leading to buyer’s remorse. Furthermore, they have long term effects on your financial and physical well-being. If you don’t know where your dollars are going each month, examine these 5 bad habits to help you save money rather than living between paychecks.
5 Bad Habits That Are Costing You Money
1. Cigarettes and Alcohol
We can all agree that smoking and drinking have no positive health benefits. But they are also bad for your financial health. Not only have these two bad habits been linked to cancer and disorders of nearly every bodily system, but they also drain your bank account. The price of a pack of cigarettes varies from state to state, but according to research conducted in 2016, smokers who buy a pack a day spend more the $2,500 each year.
If you frequent bars, you are also overpaying for your alcohol. Add the expectation of buying rounds for your friends, and you could be stuck with hundreds of dollars on your bar tab. In addition to the immediate expense, there are also the long-term medical fees associated with the conditions they cause. Do yourself and your body a favor, and kick these bad habits that are costing you money!
2. Fancy Coffee Beverages
Sometimes it feels as if there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. I can’t speak for everyone, but I rely on the caffeine buzz to get me through long work weeks. However, you are wasting your money if you buy sugary coffee drinks. An Accounting Principals’ survey from 2013 reported that the average American spends about $1,000 on their caffeine fix every year. You can save yourself loads of money by brewing it yourself. Tighten your purse strings, and ditch those trendy fraps and caps.
3. Not Comparing Prices
You are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t take time to compare prices. Before grabbing a familiar name brand from the supermarket shelves, take a look at what’s around it. Chances are that there is a similar, generic product for a portion of the cost. They literally contain the same ingredients list. Market research suggests that we don’t buy these household brands because of the quality, but rather from familiarity.
This concept could also save you a bundle when it comes to insurance coverage. You may be over-insured and not realize it. There are websites that can provide multiple bids for you to peruse in a matter of minutes. While it may be easier to accept the first offer, it’s wise to shop around before you make any large purchases. A little time will save you a lot of money in the long run.
4. Buying the Latest Trends
As an extension of the previous bad habit, you should also consider downgraded options when shopping. Ask yourself if you really need designer labels, the latest tech, or the newest vehicle. Unless image is a driving force in your career, you can definitely cut back in your spending with older models of these necessities. If you are really cinching your belt, you can also consider secondhand products. With so many online marketplaces for buying, selling, and trading, you can find some excellent compromises at great prices.
5. Unused Membership Fees
Take a closer look at your next credit card bill, and calculate how much you spend each month in memberships. Then ask yourself if you are using them enough to justify the expense. If you are subscribing to multiple streaming sites, consider eliminating a few or sharing the cost with a friend of family member. If you have access to a community or home gym, cut out the costly health club membership. These small deductions can leave a huge dent in your monthly budget if you don’t keep them under control.
Kicking Your Bad Habits
We all have bad habits, but it’s important to remember everything in moderation. You don’t need to deny yourself every pleasure, but take an honest assessment of your spending habits. Making a few small lifestyle changes can save you a ton of money and set a good example for the next generation. It’s important to get control of these bad habits that are costing you money and not let them control you.
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
